Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

There are twelve books by Henning Mankell today.  Take a look for them in your online bookstore.  Also, Bury My Heart…this is something that I read in college and was impressed by.

Learning to manage difficult feelings can be quite challenging for young children.  This book offers some age appropriate help for kids roughly between the ages of five and ten.  Some of the chapters include Say Hello-and Goodbye-to Your Anger, Create Calm, Learn Self Control, Feel Great and more.

The author notes that this book is not appropriate for all kids, citing those who are having larger behavioral or mental health issues.  For many children however the activities in this book may be very helpful.  They are presented in an appealing fashion with many colorful illustrations.

I liked the way that the author spoke directly to her readers and her encouragement of doing these activities with a trusted adult.  I recommend this book for families and it may also be useful for schools and therapists.  You don’t have to wait for anger to become an issue; the activities in this book can help children to recognize and name their feelings and find ways to cope.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher: 

#AngerManagementSkillsforKids #NetGalley

A few comments:  Helen MacInness wrote thrillers of the Cold War.  I read many of these in the past and really enjoyed them.  Not sure if they hold up in the current day but worth a look.  I loved The End Of the Affair.  Dorothy Simpson writes good, British police procedurals.  Plus, a few other titles to look at including an earlier Jodi Picoult.  Happy March and happy reading!

Ancient Egyptian people were deeply influenced by their gods.  The gods helped them to make sense of things that they did not understand.  One well known example was finding an explanation for why the Nile flooded each year, a natural phenomenon upon which the population depended. 

This book tells the stories of over fifteen of the gods and goddesses.  They were the gods or goddesses of creation and war, the underworld, healing, mummification, love, music and celebration, knowledge and more. The end of the book includes a glossary, a “find out more” section and references while the beginning includes a map and timeline. 

Many children go through a phase of fascination with mummies and all things ancient Egyptian.  This title is a great way to capture and build upon that interest.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this beautifully illustrated boook in exchange for anhones review.

#GodsandGoddessesofAncientEgypt #NetGalley

A few of the many deities in the book:  Provided by the publisher.

Lots of women’s fiction and an historical mystery set in New York City.  Enjoy.

This is a cute board book for toddlers about a person who is so important, mommy. What does she do all day? Lift the flaps to find out. Sometimes the answer will be a bit whimsical as when mommy has lots of laundry to do. With bright and appealing illustrations, this title should be enjoyed by the youngest book lovers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

I have read good reviews of The Familiars.  I love London.  Jill Mansell is great light reading.

Also, many titles by Donna Leon for $1.99.  I adore her Brunetti mysteries.

The authors of this compendium offer a lovely combination of a literary quote,  a biblical connection (for example a psalm) and a short prayer to reflect upon each day.  The list of authors is wide, from Louisa May Alcott to Jane Austen to Charles Dickens and F. Scott Fitzgerald along with many more.  If you like to take a few minutes for daily contemplation, this title is a nice resource.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

#TheCourageToSee #NetGalley

This book will be welcomed by those who love floraculture and gardening as well as those who just love looking at flowers and want to know more about them.  The informative, alphabetical listings include lovely illustrations and many facts.

The author notes that during Victorian times, the flowers one received conveyed messages, even if sometimes these messages became confused.  We still tend to associate feelings with certain flowers; as the author mentions, red roses on Valentine’s Day send a particular message.  Flowers and trees also indicated certain religious feelings or views.  So… a lot going on along with observing beauty.

Using the book as a reference may take a little practice.  The flowers are listed by their scientific names but there is an index of common names at the back of the book to help. The information for each plant might include symbolic meanings, color meanings possible powers and folklore and fact.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this comprehensive title which appears to have been well researched.  All opinions are my own.

#TheCompleteLanguageofFlowers #NetGalley

From the publisher:

This title is part of a series of  chapter books for beginning readers.  It is nicely illustrated and includes extras such as quotes from Lincoln, questions in sections called “jump in the think tank,” timelines, a glossary and a bibliography.

The author engages young readers right away, reminding them that they may well have seen Lincoln on coins and dollar bills. She then begins the biography with the complicated issues and wrongs of slavery, writing factually and not minimizing or talking down to her readers.

As an adult reader, I learned things about Lincoln that I had not known. For example, I had not known much about the death of Lincoln’s mother which left young Abraham with a lingering sadness.   I also read about the positive impact that Abe’s father’s second wife had on him.

The reader follows as Abe leaves home and finds his way in the world and marries, culminating in his becoming the president. There is a clear explanation of the circumstances surrounding the Civil War and its impact on Lincoln.  His assassination is also described as is the sadness of so many when he died.

Throughout this book, Lincoln’s essential goodness stands out.  I was very impressed with the way in which the author wrote and put together this title.  It is an excellent, readable resource for elementary school children.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#TheStoryofAbrahamLincoln #NetGalley